In my article earlier this week, I once again called for the need to trade Pau Gasol. However, one of our great readers (hooba) called my attention to the lack of continuity between my trade of the week and the idea suggested in the article. Although the two were not meant to be related, I do understand the confusion. For clarity's sake, I am now going to give suggestions on what type of trades I was referring to in the article. Here are my Five Bags of Magic Beans for Pau Gasol:
1. The first deal is a three way trade that has some nuggets that have been in the news.
Pau Gasol to Philadelphia
Andre Miller to Cleveland
Ira Newble, Donyell Marshall, Thaddeus Young, Jason Smith, and Cleveland's 2008 1st rounder to Memphis
Now everyone knows the Cleveland is in desperate need of a point guard and although Andre Miller does not shoot like Mike Bibby, his contract is a lot more attractive. Philadelphia has already expressed a need to get some post scoring next to Dalembert and Sam along with bulky Reggie Evans would be good compliments to Gasol. For Memphis, we get to clear some capspace over the next two seasons but more importantly we add three young peices to Rudy Gay, Mike Conley and Darko. Thad and Rudy are very similar and both have the length, athleticism and quickness to play the forward positions next to each other. Jason Smith gives us a good mobile big off the bench capable of backing up Darko and playing alongside him. The 1st round pick is gravy.
2. Supposedly Billy Knight is still enamored with his first draft coup and would like him in Atlanta.
Pau Gasol to Atlanta
Marvin Williams, Tyronn Lue, Lorenzen Wright and a 2010 Lottery protected pick to Memphis
This move gives the Hawks a 7 foot post option to push them into the Eastern conference playoffs while keeping Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Al Horford. Gives them one of the best and most versatile frontlines in the NBA. Memphis gets immediate cap relief without the need to make a decision on Williams until next offseason if we want. Williams adds more athleticism to the starting lineup and a good midrange game.
3. This one is the Sam Smith special.
Pau Gasol and Brian Cardinal to Chicago
Tyrus Thomas, Joe Smith, Chris Duhon, Viktor Khryapa, Adrian Griffin, JamesOn Curry, 2008 Lottery protected 1st rounder and enough cash to buyout Griffin to Memphis.
The Chicago Bulls finally get their post option and without having to give up anyone in their core. They have to swallow Brian Cardinal like it is Fear Factor but they have the cash reserves to do it. Memphis gets an athletic power forward wrapped in potential and a veteran power forward to hold them until potential is reached. The draft pick should be middle of the draft and could hold value. Everything else if filler.
4. Oh well we have all heard the New Jewrsey chatter. Why settle for Stro when you can get a player that can actually remember your plays.
Pau Gasol to New Jersey
Sean Williams, Bostjan Nachbar, Jason Collins, Malik Allen, Darrell Armstrong, 2008 1st rounder and $3 million cash to Memphis.
Ok, this offer is more like a little charity to New Jersey. However, the Grizzlies do get a young, active big that likes to block shots and rebound. Playing at a fast pace, he would erase a lot of mistakes and start(and finish) a lot of fast breaks. For New Jersey, this is a last ditch effort to cash in on Jason Kidd and also gives me the chance to laugh at the prospect of watching Pau and Vince whimper and whine together for four years.
5. Outside the box?
Pau Gasol to Toronto
Adrea Bargnani, Rasho Nestorivic, Juan Dixon and a 2008 1st round pick to Memphis.
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Now all of these deals would probably be met with doom and gloom in Memphis. However, all of the deals allow the Chris Wallace to retool the roster with players that fit Coach Iavaroni's system. None are ideal and none give the undefined "fair value" but all of them have the potential to look real good for Memphis in two years. At this point, fair value aroung the league and fair value in the eyes of Grizz fans are probably not alligned.
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